TV & Showbiz

Jesse Lingard strikes up emotional bromance with trainspotter Francis Bourgeois

People couldn't help but well up at the tearful train journey and neither could we.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 3rd November 2022

Francis Bourgeois taking over TikTok was something nobody saw coming. The same man getting a brand deal with Gucci and North face is something no one saw coming either.

Neither was him getting his own TV show on Channel 4 and having a little cuddle with Jesse Lingard, to be honest.

In case you haven’t seen it, the social media sensation’s popularity has reached such heights that he was recently given his own digital series, Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois, and in a recent episode, the shy but sincere rail enthusiast had former Manchester United man Jesse Lingard along with him.

Already a somewhat unlikely pairing, those watching were equally taken aback when the two shared a vulnerable and heartwarming moment which saw Lingard comforting an emotional Francis.

Jesse Lingard Francis Bourgeois crying Trainspotting Channel 4
Credit: Channel 4 (via YouTube)

The pair met at Warrington Bank Quay station in Lingard’s home town and after a little kickabout, the two embarked on a journey in Class 37’s Mark I carriage along the East Lancashire Railway.

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Following an honest and vulnerable conversation about online abuse, as well as treatment by the public and others within their respective industries, Francis (real name Luke Magnus Nicolson) admits to “getting a bit emotional” after seeing the positive reaction from his fellow trainspotters on their journey.

As well as being able to empathise through his own experience playing professional football, Jesse goes on to reassure him that his content has clearly been making an impact even “halfway across the world” and insists, “you’re loved”. Who’s cutting onions?…

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Finally, after being overwhelmed by the love and support of fans and fellow bashers (those who regularly travel on trains for fun), Francis breaks into tears and the current Nottingham Forest player puts his arm around him. Safe to say people watching at home and on social media were left a little teary-eyed too.

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The show which started on 19 October has seen Bourgeois thrown together with all manner of popular personalities including comedian Aisling Bea, rapper AJ Tracey and Eurovision pop star Sam Ryder.

As for his day out with ‘JLingz’, it’s simultaneously the combo we never asked for one of the most wholesome things we’ve seen in ages. Be kind to each other, folks — it’s really that simple.

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You can watch the full clip of Francis Bourgeois’ and Jesse Lingard’s wholesome meeting here:

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Featured Image — Channel 4 (via YouTube)

TV & Showbiz

Paddy McGuinness admits he thinks Bolton is ‘still in Lancashire’ not Greater Manchester

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Paddy McGuinness has admitted that he believes “Bolton still falls under Lancashire” and not Greater Manchester.

The famous comedian and TV presenter – who was born and raised in Farnworth in 1973, back when it genuinely was still categorised as Lancashire – made the somewhat controversial declaration to his millions of followers on Instagram this week as he shared some pictures of himself that are currently featuring as part of a photography exhibition.

McGuinness is one of dozens of local famous faces forming part of the ‘Greater Mancunians’ project by The Manchester College.

150 students have participated in the landmark photography project – which is currently on display down at Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall – and it features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people shot at numerous locations across the city.

Noel Gallagher, Johnny Marr, Ricky Hatton, Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, Maxine Peake, Jonathan Warburton, and Professor Erinma Bell MBE are among the 100 contributors featured in the project, alongside McGuinness.

The 50-year-old, who is most well-known for his acting and presenting roles in Phoenix Nights, Max and Paddy’s Road To Nowhere, Take Me Out, and Top Gear, says it was “a real honour” to be featured in the exhibition.

McGuinness wrote on Instagram: “It was a real honour to take part in the Greater Mancunians project with the students at The Manchester College. The exhibition is full of people from music, comedy, politics, poetry, television, medicine and beyond.”

He then said it’s “well worth popping in if you’re in town”, before dropping the final Bolton-related bombshell: “PS, I’m still saying Bolton falls under Lancashire.”

In case you’re unfamiliar with the borough’s history, Bolton was considered to be a part of Lancashire until Greater Manchester was formally established all the way back on 1 April 1974 – but still to this day, the town is located within the historic county boundaries of Lancashire.

Paddy McGuinness admits he thinks Bolton is ‘still in Lancashire’, not Greater Manchester (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

After making the bold claim about Bolton’s geographical location, McGuinness has been met with praise and has received hundreds of comments from other Bolton and wider Greater Manchester residents agreeing with him and sharing their similar opinions under the post.

“I think they should redefine Lancashire back to its old borders, it would bring unity to the area and create a northern powerhouse,” one person commented.

Another fan wrote: “Bolton will always be in Lancashire for me”, while a third commented: “ALWAYS Lancashire. Can’t move land boundaries, they’re not pieces of paper,” a fourth shared a similar sentiment: “They can tell us we’re Greater Manchester, but I know Im a Lancashire lass,” and a fifth added: “Lancashire all the way lad.”

“BOLTON WILL ALWAYS BE LANCASHIRE,” another clearly strong-viewed comment reads.

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It’s always very ‘Stockport is Cheshire‘, isn’t it?

What’s your take then? Do you think Bolton is still in Lancashire, or is it part of Greater Manchester? What about the rest of the boroughs?

We know full well we may have opened a can of worms with this one but that’s all part of the fun.

Featured Images – BBC

TV & Showbiz

Zoe Ball announces death of her ‘dear mama’ just weeks after cancer diagnosis

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball with her beloved mum Julia Peckham. Credit: Instagram @thezoeball

Zoe Ball has said that she is ‘bereft’ after the death of her mum Julia Peckham, just weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The BBC Radio 2 breakfast show host shared the sad news this morning, writing ‘sleep tight dear Mama’.

Zoe had shared just a matter of weeks ago that her beloved mother had been diagnosed with cancer, later moving to hospice care.

And now tragically, only six weeks after her diagnosis and an ‘incredibly brave’ battle with the disease’, Julia has passed away.

Zoe has been taking some time off air to spend time with family.

Today, sharing a photo of her mum in her younger years, Zoe Ball wrote: “Sleep tight dear Mama.

“Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.

BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball has announced the death of her mum Julia Peckham. Credit: Instagram @thezoeball
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball has announced the death of her mum Julia Peckham. Credit: Instagram @thezoeball
Zoe Ball shared this photo of her mum Julia Peckham when she was diagnosed with cancer. Credit: Instagram @thezoeball
Zoe Ball shared this photo of her mum Julia Peckham when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Credit: Instagram @thezoeball

“We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other. your grace & your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us.”

She had previously written upon her mum’s diagnosis: “Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with Cancer. As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave.

“My brother Jamie & I are completely in awe of the brilliant Doctors, Nurses & support teams looking after Mum. Thank you. Gratitude to our families & our extended family & friends at home & at work for their support at this time.

“Sending out love to people reading this who are battling cancer, or awaiting diagnosis & also to the folk looking after their dear ones who are poorly.”

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Featured image: Instagram @zoetheball

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